Cirrhosis of liver in Bangladesh. (A preliminary report).

The incidence of cirrhosis of liver in Bangladesh, its possible aetiological factors and clinical features have been studied. This being the initial report, embraces the population of only two hospitals in Dacca viz., Institute of Postgraduate Medicine and Research (P.G. Hospital) and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital situated three and a half kilometers apart. In a population of 5889, a total of 154 cases (2.6%) of cirrhosis of liver have been recorded. Nutritional deficiency has been considered to be the important aetiological factor whereas alcoholism does not appear to have any significant role. Almost all the cases (94.2%) were non-alcoholic. Pattern of clinical features have been compared with those of other authors and variations recorded. Further study on an elaborate scale has been suggested.